OR–3rd NewsMinute/217
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Jobless rates in many parts of Oregon inched higher last month to 8.7 percent. Benton County continues to have the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 6.3 percent while Crook County, in Central Oregon, had the state’s highest jobless rate – 14.1 percent.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) – Firefighters on the Fort Complex Fire in southwestern Oregon have wrapped the 90-year-old Butte Fork Tool House in a fire-resistant sheath to protect it from approaching flames. The reflective wrap, which is reusable, is made of fiberglass. Fortunately the fire has not reached the structure, but firefighters thought the precaution was warranted last week.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) – Forest fires have hampered the efforts of Oregon environmental scientists studying a Northern California ecosystem. The Mail Tribune reports scientists with the Klamath Network were forced to leave Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California when fire burned a 43-square-mile area of the park.
ALFALFA, Ore. (AP) – Reckless burning charges have been filed against five men whose target practice is believed to have ignited a 35-acre wildfire in Central Oregon. A Deschutes County sheriff’s sergeant tells KTVZ “there’s no argument” a substance that causes a flash when struck by bullets traveling at certain speeds ignited this weekend’s blaze.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.